§ 25. Mr. KELLYasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the number of men in the service of the Northern Light Commissioners?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 21st June last, which stated that the number of persons of all grades, including staff at headquarters, in the service of the Commissioners of Northern Lighthouses was 364. That number has not changed.
§ 27. Mr. MACQUISTENasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider revising the administrative system under which lighthouses and other fixed navigation lights are controlled in the north-west and north of Scotland?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe control of these lighthouses is vested in the Commissioners of Northern Lighthouses by Statute, and the Board of Trade have no authority to vary the powers which are vested in the Commissioners by Acts of Parliament.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENWill the right hon. Gentleman explain why it is that, while the Northern Lights Commissioners are willing to light the entrance to Loch Etire, which is exceedingly dangerous, the Board of Trade have not permitted this expenditure to be incurred, and will he take steps to have an inquiry with a view to abating the danger to human life?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI am sure my hon. Friend will appreciate that if he wants to raise a specific question on a particular item of expenditure he 2128 really must give me notice. I could not answer a question like that without notice.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I wanted to have the particular question investigated but I was told it could not be, because it was remitted entirely to the Northern Lights Commission, and therefore I put a general question? Will he now investigate it?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERIf my hon. Friend will let me know what this particular question is, I will see whether I have any jurisdiction and whether I can obtain any information, but he must let me have what he says are the facts.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs it not the case that this is a matter for the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and will the right hon. Gentleman not use his influence with his colleagues? The entrance to the Loch is very dangerous, and it is very necessary that this should be done.
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERBefore I either consider the matter myself or refer it to anyone else I must have information.
§ Mr. KELLYDoes the appointment of the Northern Commissioners carry with it the presenting of periodical reports to the Board of Trade?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI think I should like notice of that question. The proposed Budget expenditure comes to the Board of Trade for confirmation, but whether we actually get a formal report I am not sure. I will let the hon. Member know.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIf we submit the facts to the right hon. Gentleman will he consider them and use his influence along the lines we have suggested?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTEROf course I will consider any proposition that is put before me.
§ Mr. MAXTONWill the right hon. Gentleman approach the Secretary of State for Scotland, and have this Board of Commissioners included in the Bill for the reorganisation of offices?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThat question must be addressed to the Secretary of State for Scotland.